OIR report says SDF faces multiple security challenges in NE Syria
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – Lead Inspector General for Operation Inherent Resolve (OIR) said in its fourth quarter report to the United States Congress that the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) face multiple security challenges posed by Iran-backed militias, Arab tribal groups, and Turkish aerial attacks.
The report pointed out that tribal groups in Deir ez-Zor Governorate, eastern Syria, clashed with the SDF in September 2023 after the removal of Ahmad al-Khabil, also known as Abu Khawla, former leader of SDF’s Deir ez-Zor Military Council, from his position for his involvement in multiple crimes and human rights violations.
OIR’s report emphasized that tribal groups in Deir ez-Zor receive “explicit support from the Syrian regime and its Iranian allies on the western side of the Euphrates River.” Though heavy fighting has subsided, the militias continue to resupply and launch attacks on SDF posts in areas east of the River, the report added.
OIR is the US military’s operational name for the international military coalition’s intervention against the Islamic State (ISIS) in Iraq and Syria, which started in August 2014.
Additionally, the Turkish attacks in October 2023 forced the SDF to pause counter-ISIS operations and guard force training and reduce its patrols in Deir ez-Zor allowing ISIS sleeper cells to increase attacks on SDF checkpoints in Deir ez-Zor and Hasakah governorates in September, October, and November compared to previous three months, according to the report.
“The Turkish attacks degraded SDF financial resources and forced the SDF to ‘split its attention between two possibly existential threats,'” the Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve (CJTF-OIR) said in the report.
Turkish forces conducted a wave of airstrikes in Northeast Syria in 13 months. The airstrikes hit oil fields, power installations, and other facilities that provided service for the civilians.
“Turkish attacks injured and killed dozens of people deliberately and damaged critical infrastructure, including water, electricity, schools and hospital services in Syria,” said the U.S.-led Global Coalition’s mission against ISIS.
In addition, from Jan. 12 to 15, 2024, Turkey targeted a total of 81 sites in Northeast Syria with 114 strikes, including 83 airstrikes by drones and warplanes.
The attacks have severely damaged vital infrastructure and energy facilities and killed civilians and military personnel of both the SDF and Syrian government forces.